Abstract: An apparatus for welding studs to a workpiece includes a stud supporting and positioning unit adapted for cooperation with a guide template to provide for accurate positioning of a stud to be welded. The unit includes a centrally located electrode provided with a stud positioning bore and a detent for releasably supporting a stud within such bore; a casing or housing supported on and electrically insulated from the electrode; and a plurality of stud guide pins, which are arranged parallel to the stud positioning bore and supported for axially directed reciprocating movements under the control of spring devices between an extended, guide position and a retracted, stud welding position. The pins cooperate with guide holes provided in the template to accurately locate the stud to be welded. The method involves the mode of forming the template and cooperation of the positioning unit therewith to achieve accurate positioning of a stud.